Many of you may be familiar with Daniel Goleman’s influential work on leadership styles, which has guided leaders for over two decades. As a consultancy focused on developing high-impact leaders, we at Harrisons recognise the lasting relevance of Goleman’s six leadership styles in today’s work environment. Even more, recent research has enhanced the framework’s depth, helping leaders adapt their approach to meet both evolving organisational goals and the increasing expectations of the modern workforce.
Understanding the Six Leadership Styles
Goleman initially introduced six styles of leadership, each designed to address a specific organisational need. Here’s a quick overview:
Directive – This is the go-to style for crisis management. The directive leader gives clear, immediate instructions, which is vital in situations where time and clarity are of the essence.
Visionary – Visionary leaders inspire their teams with a compelling vision for the future, giving team members the freedom to determine how best to achieve it. This style is ideal in times of change, offering clear direction without micromanaging.
Affiliative – Also known as the “people come first” style, affiliative leadership focuses on harmony and connection. It’s particularly effective in times of stress or restructuring, fostering morale and helping to retain team members.
Participative – This democratic approach involves valuing team input and creating a consensus-based environment. It’s an excellent style for encouraging engagement and buy-in, especially during collaborative projects or problem-solving initiatives.
Pacesetting – Leaders with a pacesetting style lead by example, setting high performance standards and expecting excellence. While effective with highly skilled teams, this approach can lead to burnout if not balanced with adequate support.
Coaching – The coaching style is all about developing individuals for the future. It’s ideal for nurturing talent and preparing the team for long-term growth, especially within organisations focused on future readiness.
While each style serves a specific purpose, the best leaders are those who can adapt, blending approaches to meet the needs of their teams and organisations. Studies show that leaders who can flex between styles produce better outcomes, highlighting the real power of Goleman’s framework.
The New Layer: Purpose-Driven Leadership
Recent research has brought a new layer to Goleman’s framework. Today’s leaders not only need to adapt their styles but also align their leadership with a clear sense of purpose. The concept of purpose-driven leadership has gained traction, particularly as organisations grapple with a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. Purpose-driven leadership means connecting an organisation’s mission with broader societal or environmental goals, appealing to a workforce that increasingly values meaningful work and social responsibility.
According to a Korn Ferry study, nearly 75 per cent of CEOs believe that by 2025, purpose-driven leadership will define effective leaders. As younger generations increasingly seek alignment between personal and corporate values, the demand for genuine purpose in leadership is rising. Leaders are now expected to provide more than just strategic vision; they must offer an authentic mission that resonates with the team, fostering loyalty, engagement, and productivity.
How Harrisons Can Help
At Harrisons, we integrate Goleman’s six leadership styles with insights from the latest research to create adaptive, purpose-driven leadership strategies for our clients. We help leaders understand how to recognise which style to levergae, navigate complex challenges, and inspire their teams by linking organisational goals with purpose. By cultivating leaders who are both flexible and mission-driven, we enable organisations to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
If you’re ready to enhance your leadership capabilities and drive meaningful engagement across your organisation, contact us at Harrisons to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll build a leadership strategy that transforms your organisation from the inside out.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
